How to Take Off Gyro Brakes

BMX bikes often have a detangler on the stem attached to the rear brake cables.

BMX bikes have a device known as a detangler that aids in certain stunts. The detangler attaches to the front stem and is often referred to as the gyro (even though this is actually a trademarked brand of detanglers). The detangler allows the handlebars to spin 360 degrees without tangling the attached rear brake cables. The two brake cables are split using this device and have a built-in ball bearing that prevents damage to the rotor.

Things You'll Need

• Allen wrench
• Adjustable hand wrench

Instructions

1. Use an Allen wrench to loosen and remove the stem from the frame. There should be two bolts that hold the stem of the bike in place on the frame.

2. Take out the bolts connecting the stem to the fork (or handlebars). On most bikes, there is one preload fork bolt; some bikes have two.

3. Remove the nut holding the cables in place on the stem. Use an adjustable wrench to twist the nuts loose.

4. Disconnect the upper and lower cables from the detangler. Most models should simply slip out of the detangler once you've removed the nut. Otherwise there may be a release mechanism you'll need to push.

5. Loosen the bolt holding the gyro plate and detangler in place. Slip both items off the bottom of the stem.

Tips & Warnings

• The brakes are simply connected to the gyro and are not necessarily called "gyro brakes."

• After removing the gyro, you may need to add a spacer to properly connect the split rear brakes again or your brakes will not stay in place or work properly.

References

• Sheldon Brown's Bicycle Glossary: Gyro